Maxine Smith

cool, finally you made it. nice move, im happy atleast few of you folks met together enjoy living cheers sandyThanks Sandy :top: Read More

Hi all Our first meet-up took place last night, thank you to Verka25 and to Whisky for pitching up and spending a few hours. Sorry for the venue being so damn hot and for the company gathering when we first turned-up (they said nothing of that ... Read More

hi, All the best for your initiative. even i am travelling on the same boat here in chennai forum(India) people are not responding lets wait and watch cheers sandy enjoy livingHi Sandy, thanks for sharing our pain :rolleyes:, fortunately we got ... Read More

Hi All, Already pm'ed Maxine but confirming here as well - will do my best to swing by and say hi!Thanks Whisky, got your message on pm, hope you can pop in even if just to say a quick 'hi'! :) Read More

I would so love to be there but they just pulled my husband in to work tomorrow and I don't have a sitter. Kudos to you for the initiative and I hope to make the next one xxHey misses_ski it is a shame we will miss you later, but as you say, 'next ... Read More

Anyone up for a 'coffee/drink and gather' here's the details: Venue: sopranohotels.co.uk/bistro/ Date: Wednesday 15th August Time: 6:30 pm I will need to know the numbers so I can reserve a space there for us and let you all know where at ... Read More

Hi AurelieZ, thank you and so do I, but as we both know, these things can only be successful if people respond, participate and commit. So, let's see if this is needed, if not then great, it means the Aberdeen group has already integrated and ... Read More

Of the 25 of you that viewed, does no one have anything to say? :blink: Read More

Hello! I'm from Spain and I've arrived to Aberdeen 3 days ago. I would like to make new friends as well :) I will be here until October. Regards!Hola cómo estás? Hello and welcome to Aberdeen Karmina, I hope you have nice warm clothing as the ... Read More

I will be checking out this site, and thanks for all the info. We found out today we are having twins!! :DOh my! :top: Congrats on that 'double pleasure in the blessing of twins' let me know how useful you find the information and good luck, when ... Read More

Hi Leire2012, welcome to Bonnie Scotland and to the Granite City, Aberdeen. It's a wee bit cold at the moment, but the sun shines a lot in Aberdeenshire so hopefully you will settle here nicely. Are you working here? A Student? Living with ... Read More

So, apparently there are over 120 nationalities in Aberdeen alone. There's over 25 just on Expat.com alone.... I'm looking at arranging a monthly, informal meetup, where newcomers and old hands can exchange thoughts, share experiences and just ... Read More

We could arrange a meet-up at the Soprano's, Guild Street (by the train station), it's a nice bar and great atmosphere (if your hungry the food is great). Who would be interested to meet up? Setting up a fb page is a great idea :top: Will do that ... Read More

We could arrange a meet-up at the Soprano's, Guild Street (by the train station), it's a nice bar and great atmosphere (if your hungry the food is great). Who would be interested to meet up? Setting up a fb page is a great idea :top: Will do that ... Read More

@Harmonie, your welcome :) Here is a link to the National Health Service (NHS) guidance on Pregnancy, it has a fantastic range of information and tools to guide an expenctant mum through these early ... Read More

In my opinion, Scotland has a lot to offer for any expat (single, family or no children couples), the only downside will be weather, as the history dictates the weather trends and unless you are from Alaska USA or similar climate, you will notice ... Read More

Whilst I am NOT pregnant, I am now living in Aberdeenshire and have a few things to share on this topic that I hope will be of use. 1. Healthcare in Scotland is the best in the UK. You register with your local GP practice, as is normal anywhere ... Read More

Hey, when is the next Aberdeen meet-up planned? BTW, I joined the Woodend Barn in Banchory, they have a range of events there, a broad range from classical to modern music and bands. Also they have a fantastic restaurant at the Barn called the ... Read More

Hey Jolene P, I am a Brit, was working in South Africa for 5 years, back to England for 2 years then just back from Saudi Arabia after 2 years and find myself in Scotland, Aberdeen - which in so many ways although I am British, this can be a totally ... Read More

you guys carry on, this is so not about me! Read More

@ CAF - guess it's all part of supporting employment opportunities, that's the way I view it :cool: Read More

@Maya Maya - I don't think that is the issue here, the Expat.com team are all for a bit of spontaneous banter, now and again; just check back on lots of the posts and you will see that. Maybe the issue here is this is not facebook, which you can ... Read More

ANYONE offering services should be vetted, no matter who they say they are. I don't see how this is any different? As for having a male personal trainer, why not? We have a few of them where I live that have a lot of female customers with ... Read More

i already posted it on my classifieds but its not showing up for some reason!! anyway u can pass my number to anyone interested u know. thanx broahem! I am a ladette not a lad! :dumbom: Read More

Hey Hizzi, this is very useful to know! Also, if you are keen for some clients to train, will you be able to put this up on the classified section? There are a few women on here that would be interested to talk with you on this and to check out ... Read More

ITpro, it is not for any justification, as I said "each to their own" and if you were offering services, then you would maximise your opportunities in the classified section. Whether you charge for this or not is up to you - I was not judging you! ... Read More

@Simaya, I could have done with knowing you a few weeks ago as I was writing my "what to do in Riyadh this summer" article for the Women's Skills Bureau (wsb-ksa.com), I had quite a lot of things in the article, but couldn't expand it to evening or ... Read More

Also, some of my friends in Riyadh have been able to get a driver for much less, approx SR1,800 or SR2,000 but that is not what I call a driver - at that cost, it is normally a 'regular' taxi driver that will come when you call or need him. This is ... Read More

Hi jmceach1 - welcome to Expat.com and the Riyadh family :) you will not be able to secure many services in Riyadh online outside of the Kingdom. Most business such as finding drivers, domestic services etc are done by personal word of mouth / ... Read More

hmmm, ITpro, almost reads like an advert for your services. As you have correctly said, information shared is good and useful. However, you could also advertise your services as an 'Arabic tutor' the best place for that should be in the classified ... Read More

@borntobemild I would have thought with all that dosh who gives a hell what you look like :rolleyes: Read More

Bill Gates and all access to his millions thank you :cool: Read More

Welcome Leedslad, personally, I think it is a good thing you had this bad experience because you cannot sail through life here (or anywhere else for that matter) without hurdles. It is good you have had yours early as it is a good sign the rest ... Read More

Kingdom coffee morning is a monthly bazarre with the exception of July and August (as it is in ressess then), they occur the first Monday of every month. It is the largest bazarre of it's kind in Riyadh bearing in mind it is a compound based event ... Read More

Hello everyone I really need some advice regarding hospitals and specialists. i have read the forum on medical care and got some info...but just need more. We are on Tawuniya medical aid and apparently covered for Kingdom Hospital. I have a four ... Read More

I think every thing we need to know is almost covered in the threads above.Ramadan actually educates to control our desires and promotes self control. It is not only about being starved from sun rise to sunset.It is about the feel for the poor and ... Read More

Hey Mike, welcome to the Expat.com - Riyadh - family, good luck with the next few weeks in your final preparations. You are coming in at an interesting time - (1) the heat (2) Ramadan but I am sure you are fully aware of all that! Look forward to ... Read More

a recent cost comparison still puts Dubai above Riyadh on the cost of living stakes. Despite the recession that hit Dubai whilst the housing there hit rock bottom, the other costs remain very high. Riyadh is not greatly removed from the UK as far ... Read More

Hey Nina01, don't you want to add something into this post as you are a FANTASTIC spanish tutor :thanks: Read More

I'm loving all the active threads GWTFUK! You ROCK!Awwh, thanks Amegy :gloria Read More

The super power I would like is the ability to "change" minds and things! :) Read More

She tends to ask lots of questions , so I would prefer to restrict her to a single post. :joking:She can ask as many questions as she likes, that's the nature of the posts. Question for the Expat.com team is: Why are these all on the Riyadh ... Read More

ok new question If You Can have Super Power for One day, What Would You Want It To Be?New question, new post :offtopic: Read More

Don't know about Pakistan, but from the UK or USA to KSA there is a great courier company called Aramex for anyone interested who wants to order online for goods/supplies to come into KSA this is great: http://www.aramex.com/ then click on the Shop ... Read More

Hi and welcome on board Ali! This topic has been discussed several times on the forum. I would invite you to browse the discussions about the Cost of Living for more information. Hope it will help! Regards ArmandGood call Armand! Saves us all ... Read More

I'd like to start off by thanking you for taking the initiative to educate all of us about the Holy Month of Ramadan. I just wanted to add to some points in the article: "It is better to offer 'Magrib Namaz/salat' and then break one's fast, ... Read More

@gwtfUK: I have been doing alright, considering that I am still here.. :P and Whoa you have been through quite a bit. Why dont you start a new post ont eh entire thing - " The hassles of transferring! " Lets not pollute the thread here. ... Read More

Hey guys! I just got reassigned here in Riyadh from Dammam. I used to run with the club in Saudi Aramco, and thus we never had any problems doing our training in proper running shorts. The problem I have here in Riyadh is that I will not run in ... Read More

thats a sadly depressing song! :-p Oh and congrats to maya Maya for having the longest topic with the largest number of comments in khobar and possibly in saudi Arabia!!couldn't have done it without you guys :Pyeah, you are welcome!Sorry to spoil ... Read More

Hehe, you guys make me laugh, thanks for adding some humour to a usually dreary day. How would the public in Olaya district (which is where I live) react to a lady running in an Abaya? Oh, hold on...THAT'S INSANE! So I'll have to wait until we've ... Read More

@gwtfUK: Long time since we have seen you around!Hey RedGoblin, I have been here, just busy being busy I guess :) Also had the horrid experience of what we call "the Saudi kiss" when you leave one company to join another and the first company ... Read More

There is a better camping shop off junction 12. Bigger range than Olayan.I would agree with Maserman on this and also various Saco's (you need to try different ones as their stock levels and choices vary); also Carefour have a few good bits & pieces ... Read More

Ranco Village is a very reasonable (rental) compound and quite large in size. There is a broad range of housing available from single batchelor apartments to 4 bedroom bungalows and a range of styles from part brick bungalows to modern 2 storey ... Read More

Obviously an english law about not being able to drive until 18, everywhere else in the UK it's 17 ;) Personally think allowing women to drive may improve things as they will want the car!Oh dear, I seem to have woken up Pinky :D Hey MM2, thanks ... Read More

The reason I note concern on the logistics and expected increased traffic this will create is the following: At the moment there is one male driver transporting a number of women (and children) in one car. When women get the right to drive, there ... Read More

I think the debate belongs solely with the Saudi's and as an expat I am happy to simply monitor the debate and the situation. However, another issue presents itself for me around this whole should Saudi women be allowed to drive in the Kingdom. As ... Read More

Hey boxes eh? If you have a car why not go to some huge supermarket, they have lots of them in their trucks loading bay , for example, PANDA, ROAM, SADHAN etc etc. If you are moving in a week why not go round every day and pick up say like 10 boxes ... Read More

Hi, am due to move compounds in the next couple of weeks and am seeking some packing boxes. ...... all offers appreciated, just send me a private message (pm) to this site. Thankswhen we moved , i asked the grocery store to give me some empty ... Read More

I know a brilliant Dentist: Dr Shamiyah of Noble Smile Dental Care Center +966 (0) 419 77 40 http://www.noblesmile.com.sa/contactus.html he has a multi culture range of clients and often has special rates for expats. Read More

There is a small hotel on Eid Compound, I am not sure of their criteria as a hotel guest or prices, but if you are only here for a few months, could be the perfect solution; at least you will have compound facilities and interaction with others. On ... Read More

Xtrem - so sorry to hear you sounding like this, especially as your comments will also be true for many others and this will make them sad to reflect with you. Look, due to the restrictions we all know Saudi can become a very lonely place and due ... Read More

All my friends in KSA! :sosad: Will be back soon! :DYay, on the will be back soon :D :top: we miss you very much as well! Read More

I am missing My electric guitar .... :D Let's Rock !!! lol I am missing my family in Syria .... Home sick :( SamHey Sam, feeling it for you right now with the troubles back home. Hope your family are safe and well there :) Read More

1. I miss breathing fresh air.. Waking up to the smell morning dew.. I can sum it down by saying ''i miss not having the smell of sand in my noise at all times!!'' Damn these sandstorms! 2. Looking out the window to get a look at beautiful GREEN ... Read More

Cadburys cream eggs ummmmm :P Read More

There is an Abaya fashion show in town this week I am going to it. Normally I get my abaya's from Dira and I have been there on my own without any problem, but I have covered my hair when there. Tend to spend around 80SR for a really nice design one ... Read More

Are there any shops in Riyadh selling dress patterns?Haven't seen any here yet but I order them online and get them sent over. Read More

aww c'mon didn't meant to be hard especially on uHey Sly, no offense taken, it's all good :) Read More

What's the fun in camping if you are doing it in a secured and controlled environment within a facilityWe do most of our camping out in the open space. It's just that not everyone likes the vulnerability of that, especially if they have children, ... Read More

Going out anytime of the day and the shops are all open! Read More

That's when you miss them the most, just when you're back :Dtoo true! Read More

Call into various real estate companies in the area you want to live and they will bring you to see whats available. There's loads available around the north side of the city. We viewed a huge 4/5 bed 3 storey villa yesterday for 60,000sar for the ... Read More

Count me in! You know me!... Im talking about the restaurant get together. I'll PM you on the coffee morning gathering.Hey Nina, will you be coming to the coffee morning? Let me know later when I see you :) Read More

sorry, I can't come! :(:(:( maybe I can send MM2 instead as an honorary laydee?! :PHi Zara777 so sorry that again you cannot join us due to your working :( Not much time now for us to catch up with you I hear :( As for sending MM2 - don't you dare! ... Read More

Just an update to you on a few things for those interested in the ‘outdoor life’ and getting away from the City and the concrete of the compound or your apartments/villas every now and again. There is a fantastic touristic entertainment area for ... Read More

@Nonz, well the good message from your reply is that your husband clearly loves you very much as he doesn't want any harm to come to you :) that's nice. Glad you have a plan up your sleeve so that we will see you soon :D Read More

Whats wrong with Eastern Expats?Nothing! Read More

sorry gents? is that your explanation? :PAwwh, don't, I feel bad in the first place :( , don't make it worst :sosad: I would love to have a mixed gathering, but during the day is neigh impossible as most the men work, also with the mixed gender ... Read More

Expat.com LADIES COFFEE MORNING Monday 21st March 09:30 until 12noon Eid Villas Compound (further details only once attendance confirmed and details exchanged) r.s.v.p. by private message to gowiththeflowUK by Friday 18th March Read More

He thinks its not safe for women to travel by Cab in Riyadh:(Sorry Nonz, but I find that quite bizarre! We have a range of reliable and trustworthy drivers in Riyadh which we use often and we have provided these numbers and are happy to share again. ... Read More

Hi ladies. I am in Riyadh and would like to meet up. Please let me know when you have your next coffee morning.:)Hey DRose, happy birthday to you today! What have you planned to celebrate the occasion? Read More